May 22, 2024 - The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) has released the April 2024 Packaging Papers Monthly report. According to the report, total packaging papers and specialty packaging shipments in April increased 21% compared to April 2023. They were up 11% when compared to the same 4 months of 2023.
The operating rate for unbleached packaging papers was 94%, up 15.8 points from April 2023 and up 4.2 points year-to-date.
Shipments of the biggest subgrade in bleached packaging papers — food wrapping — 25,800 short tons for the month of April, down 0.5% from the same month last year and down 2.3% year-to-date.
About AF&PA
The American Forest & Paper Association (AF&PA) serves to advance U.S. paper and wood products manufacturers through fact-based public policy and marketplace advocacy. The forest products industry is circular by nature. AF&PA member companies make essential products from renewable and recycle resources, generate renewable bioenergy and are committed to continuous improvement through the industry's sustainability initiative — Better Practices, Better Planet 2030: Sustainable Products for a Sustainable Future.
The forest products industry accounts for approximately 5% of the total U.S. manufacturing GDP, manufactures about $350 billion in products annually and employs about 925,000 people. The industry meets a payroll of about $65 billion annually and is among the top 10 manufacturing sector employers in 43 states.
SOURCE: AF&PA